NE Missouri News

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders have introduced a significant legislative reform of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and federal disaster assistance programs. The Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025, known as H.R. 4669, was put forward by key figures including Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA). The legislation follows a discussion draft released in May 2025.

The proposed FEMA Act aims to streamline federal disaster response and recovery programs while elevating FEMA back to a cabinet-level agency accountable directly to the President. "The American people need an emergency management system that works quickly and effectively," said Chairman Graves. He emphasized the bill's goal to cut bureaucracy and empower states in leading disaster recovery efforts.

Ranking Member Larsen highlighted the importance of the bill for communities affected by severe disasters, stating, "This bipartisan bill will make FEMA stronger and more efficient." Rep. Webster noted Florida's experience with natural disasters as a foundation for national success in disaster mitigation.

Ranking Member Stanton commented on the need for bipartisan efforts to strengthen FEMA: "This bipartisan bill takes common-sense steps to streamline the agency."

The FEMA Act of 2025 restores FEMA’s independent status, allowing it to report directly to the President. It introduces project-based grants to replace bureaucratic processes, incentivizes state investments in mitigation, and reforms federal permitting processes. A Recovery Task Force will also be established under this act.

Disaster survivors will benefit from a streamlined application process, reducing paperwork burdens. The act prohibits political discrimination in disaster aid distribution and requires transparency through a centralized public website tracking disaster assistance funding.

The legislation aims to overhaul FEMA’s mitigation framework, accelerate project timelines, reduce long-term costs, and enhance coordination across funding streams. It also seeks to prevent politicization of aid and increase accountability within FEMA.